Manchester United 3-1 Newcastle: Marcus Rashford, Daniel James and Bruno Fernandes on target as hosts go back to second in table

Clinical Manchester United made Newcastle pay for their mistakes as they cruised to a 3-1 victory to regain second spot in the Premier League.

Marcus Rashford, Daniel James and a Bruno Fernandes penalty saw Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side leapfrog above Leicester City on goal difference and close the gap to table-toppers Manchester City to 10 points.

However, eight points from a possible 42 sees Newcastle now sit just three points above the relegation zone with an in-form Fulham breathing down his neck.

Despite their lowly form, the Magpies began in positive fashion as their high press startled United leading to early chances from Jonjo Shelvey and Joelinton within the first 10 minutes.

However, they soon fell behind as Rashford opened the scoring on 30 minutes. It was a sharp run by the England international who cut inside from the left flank and slotted it past Karl Darlow at his near post.

Newcastle reacted well and found the equaliser through their marquee showman Allan Saint-Maximin with a smartly-finished volley that beat David de Gea.

Going into the break, Newcastle showed some confidence and belief that they could cause an upset and gain crucial points away from home.

The hosts were struggling for a spark and it was the visitors who looked the more threatening with Saint-Maximin forcing a smart save from De Gea.

However, the turning point in the game came from a lapse in concentration from Newcastle’s backline just before the hour-mark.

Nemanja Matic’s low cross was poked by Fernandes into James’ path and he did the rest with a drilled effort past Darlow.

The momentum was all Manchester United’s now and they extended their lead soon after from the penalty spot. A clumsy challenge from loanee Joe Willock on Rashford allowed Fernandes the chance to score – which he calmly did.

Newcastle now face an uphill battle to avoid the drop but their manager Steve Bruce remains positive.

‘I’m convinced we will stay in the league with performances of late,’ he said. ‘There are six or seven teams that are all over looking their shoulder but we have to get to that magical points mark whatever that may be but certainly we must win a few games.’

He will hope that starts on Saturday when they host Wolves.

For Manchester United their next Premier League clash is a huge fixture at top-four rivals Chelsea on Sunday.

By Kyle Pogue-Elms